Ms Coddington said visitation to Queensland from Korea had grown 18.3 per cent to the year ending June 2017, with 75,000 Korean travellers spending $226.7 million.

“We want to continue to build on this momentum, in line with the strategic priorities outlined in our Queensland Asia Tourism Strategy 2016-2025, and make Queensland the leading Australian destination for travellers from Asia,” Ms Coddington said.

“Delivered in partnership with Brisbane Marketing and Virgin Australia, the ‘Queensland on Stage Korea’ workshop provides Queensland operators and Korean travel agents with a platform to initiate and build on existing relationships, exchange product and market knowledge and enhance business opportunities.

“International market growth can only be achieved through collaboration between Queensland industry and our international trade and aviation partners, which is why this event is one of many trade events we stage each year.

Brisbane Marketing Tourism and Major Events General Manager Ann-Maree Moon said Brisbane Marketing’s support of the event was part of a partnership with TEQ designed to grow visitation to Brisbane from the Korean market.

“Visitors from Korea to Brisbane grew by 14 per cent in the year until June 2017 and ‘Queensland on Stage Korea’ gives us the opportunity to continue to grow this market,” she said.

“The event enables us to showcase Brisbane’s tourism offerings to key travel and aviation companies who sell our destination to their customers back home in Korea.”

Virgin Australia General Manager Sales Ann Elliott said Virgin Australia was proud to support Queensland on Stage Korea and showcase our award-winning service and product to our Korean trade partners.

“We’ve recently joined BSP (the IATA Billing and Settlement Plan) in Korea which makes it even easier for our Korean travellers to book their Australian journey with Virgin Australia,” she said.

‘Queensland on Stage Korea’ will take place on 16 October, ahead of the commencement of a seasonal Jin Air Seoul – Cairns service from December 2017, and increased frequency on Korean Air’s Seoul – Brisbane services during the peak November 2017 – February 2018 period.